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Saiho-ji 1
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Saiho-ji 5
© Wikimedia Commons contributors / CC BY-SA

Overview

Built in A.D. 794 on the model of the capitals of ancient China, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan from its foundation until the middle of the 19th century. As the centre of Japanese culture for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto illustrates the development of Japanese wooden architecture, particularly religious architecture, and the art of Japanese gardens, which has influenced landscape gardening the world over.

About Saiho-ji

Saihō-ji (西芳寺) is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Matsuo, Nishikyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple, which is famed for its moss garden, is commonly referred to as "Koke-dera" (苔寺), meaning "moss temple", while the formal name is "Kōinzan Saihō-ji" (洪隠山西芳寺). The temple, primarily constructed to honor Amitābha, was founded by Gyōki and later restored by Musō Soseki. In 1994, Saihō-ji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto". Over 120 types of moss are present in the two-tiered garden, resembling a beautiful green carpet with many subtle shades.

Read more on Wikipedia

Selection Criteria

(ii)(iv)

Details

Countries
Japan
ISO Codes
JP
Coordinates
34.9923, 135.6838
View on UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)← All UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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